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Rob Evans and Samson Lee dropped as Wales name World Cup squad

Rob Evans and Samson Lee are the two notable absentees from the Wales squad for the 2019 Rugby Wo...



Rob Evans and Samson Lee are the two notable absentees from the Wales squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup this month, with Saracens' Rhys Carre rewarded with a place in the squad after his debut against Ireland on Saturday.

Warren Gatland revealed his hand for the tournament yesterday, with the Scarlets pair of Evans and Lee both left out, with Gatland citing their "durability" as an issue.

Loosehead Evans was left out in favour of rookie Rhys Carre as well as Nicky Smith and Wyn Jones, while two specialists tight-heads Tomas Francis and Dillon Lewi have been chosen ahead of Lee.

"Selection is always the toughest part of the job and that is especially true come RWC time," said Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland.

"Reducing the squad down to 31 has been extremely hard especially when you look at the depth we have created and the amount of the work the training squad have put in, for some, 14 weeks of training.

"We are really happy with the final 31, we feel there is an excellent blend to the squad, in terms of talent, experience and age profile and we are all incredibly excited about heading to Japan and what lies ahead.

"These players have performed and delivered for Wales and deserve the opportunity to represent their nation at the game’s showpiece tournament."

With Gareth Anscombe injured, Rhys Patchell has been chosen as the back-up number 10, with Jarrod Evans left on standby.

"I thought Rhys came on and gave a pretty solid performance in the second half (against Ireland)," Gatland said.

"It was tough for Jarrod in that first half and that was probably the decision on yesterday's performance.

"Jarrod is an incredibly talented young player and I'm sure his time will come sometime in the future."

Wales begin their Pool D campaign against Georgia on Monday September 23rd.

FORWARDS

Jake Ball – Camberley | Scarlets (35 Caps) (2015 RWC)
Adam Beard – Birchgrove RFC | Ospreys (15 Caps)
Rhys Carre – St Joseph’s | Saracens (1 Cap)
James Davies – Whitland | Scarlets (5 Caps)
Elliot Dee – Newbridge RFC | Dragons (21 Caps)
Ryan Elias – Carmarthen Athletic | Scarlets (8 Caps)
Tomas Francis – Malton & Norton | Exeter Chiefs (42 Caps) (2015 RWC)
Cory Hill – Pontypridd | Dragons (24 Caps)
Alun Wyn Jones – Bonymaen | Ospreys (127 Caps) (2007/11/15 RWC)
Wyn Jones – Llandovery | Scarlets (14 Caps)
Dillon Lewis – Beddau | Cardiff Blues (14 Caps)
Ross Moriarty – Morriston | Dragons (33 Caps) (2015 RWC)
Josh Navidi – Bridgend Athletic | Cardiff Blues (18 Caps)
Ken Owens – Carmarthen Athletic | Scarlets (66 Caps) (2011/15 RWC)
Aaron Shingler – Hendy | Scarlets (20 Caps)
Nicky Smith – Waunarlwydd | Ospreys (30 Caps)
Justin Tipuric – Trebanos | Ospreys (65 Caps) (2015 RWC)
Aaron Wainwright – Whiteheads RFC | Dragons (11 Caps)

BACKS

Josh Adams – Hendy RFC | Cardiff Blues (13 Caps)
Hallam Amos – Monmouth RFC | Cardiff Blues (20 Caps)(2015 RWC)
Dan Biggar – Gorseinon | Northampton Saints (72 Caps) (2015 RWC)
Aled Davies – Whitland | Ospreys (19 Caps)
Gareth Davies – Newcastle Emlyn | Scarlets (43 Caps) (2015 RWC)
Jonathan Davies – Whitland | Scarlets (75 Caps) (2011 RWC)
Leigh Halfpenny – Gorseinon | Scarlets (81 Caps) (2011 RWC)
George North – Llangefni RFC | Ospreys (85 Caps) (2011/15 RWC)
Hadleigh Parkes – Hunterville |Scarlets (17 Caps)
Rhys Patchell – CRICC | Scarlets (12 Caps)
Owen Watkin – Bryncethin | Ospreys (16 Caps)
Tomos Williams – Treorchy Zebras | Cardiff Blues (8 Caps)
Liam Williams – Waunarlwydd | Saracens (56 Caps) (2015 RWC)

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